Restrictive Approach to Data Protection in the gcc: Is the EU gdpr a Potential Inspiration?
Sarah Haidar · Global Journal of Comparative Law · 2024
Abstract The implementation of data protection laws in Gulf Cooperation Countries ( gcc ) has been a phased and incremental development. Qatar took the lead by enacting such legislation in 2016, paving the way for subsequent adoption in Bahrain in 2018 and Kuwait in 2021. The economic growth and increased use of digital technology in major gcc states like Saudi Arabia and Qatar have played a role in necessitating the development of data protection laws. The awareness of cyberattack risks has further emphasized the importance of having a legal framework to protect data, especially as multinational companies and startups operate in these regions. The fact that the adoption of data protection laws is relatively recent in gcc countries highlights the evolving nature of data privacy regulations in the region. It’s noteworthy that the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation ( gdpr ) is seen as a reference point and could potentially influence the development of data protection laws in the gcc . Understanding the gdpr is crucial for gcc countries, not only to align with global data protection standards but also to potentially contribute to the creation of a unified regional data protection framework.